Carpal tunnel can literally keep us from indulging in one of our favorite pastimes: reading a book. Holding an open book sometimes for long periods of time becomes so painful that thousands of patients decide they have no choice but to abstain. It is often recommended to use a well-designed book stand.
This condition is a common disorder that causes pain and interferes with the use of the hand. It is caused by pressure on the median nerve as the nerve passes through a channel formed by the bones and ligaments of the wrist (the carpal tunnel). A wide variety of conditions can cause the carpal tunnel to narrow and put pressure on the median nerve, including injuries such as wrist fractures; arthritis complicated by swelling of the tendons in the carpal tunnel; pregnancy, which can cause the synovial membrane around the tendons to thicken; and glandular abnormalities, such as diabetes and thyroid disorders. Work that involves repetitive wrist movements can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms include pain and numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. Many people wake up at night with these symptoms. Some patients experience weakness of the hand muscles and may drop objects. Symptoms often occur when the wrist is flexed during activities such as driving a car or holding a book while reading.
Doctors treat carpal tunnel syndrome by trying to improve the underlying condition. In many cases, doctors put a splint on the wrist and prescribe anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, surgery is done to relieve symptoms and prevent permanent damage to the median nerve.
Speaking from experience, there is no doubt that the discomfort and pain are considerable and can prevent us from performing the simplest tasks, but the repetitive discomfort of holding an open book that is constantly trying to close itself is a big problem. For some people, reading is an important part of life, both for leisure and for work, and it may be the favorite pastime of many.
A well-designed bookend that holds pages firmly can be a life-changing product in these circumstances and can bring back the pleasure of reading a book for sufferers.
No Comment